Synonyms of shudder

shudder 1 of 2

noun

as in shiver

an instance of shaking involuntarily with fear or cold

a shudder ran through him as he stepped outside into the snow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shiver
• tremble
• quiver
• tremor
• jolt
• wobble
• wave
• quake
• agitation
• shake
• fluctuation
• flutter
• vibration
• throb
• pulse
• convulsing
• palpitation
• oscillation
• pulsation
• beat

shudder

2 of 2

verb

ˈshə-dər 

as in to shake

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements

huddled in the basement, we shuddered with fear as we heard the approaching tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shake
• jerk
• tremble
• shiver
• quiver
• vibrate
• convulse
• twitch
• jolt
• wobble
• sway
• quake
• jiggle
• bucket
• agitate
• judder
• jounce
• throb
• joggle
• flicker
• swing
• flutter
• thrill
• wave
• chatter
• rock
• fluctuate
• waver
• quaver
• palpitate
• undulate
• oscillate
• pulse
• pulsate
• dodder
• pit-a-pat
• beat
• pitter-patter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shudder

Noun

Whoever ends up playing the America 250 or (shudder) Freedom 250 gigs, the Chicks are our pick for Band of the Sesquicentennial. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 June 2026

Perhaps there could even be a real shudder of self-disgust on these shores—a recognition that our national pursuit of material happiness has immiserated much of the rest of the world and is now devouring itself. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

Verb

There’s the studio version, which has some really interesting production, with Meg’s shuddering percussion that eventually grates and distracts, and Jack’s very chunky guitar. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

The water stops suddenly, making the pipe shudder or bang against the wall or another surface. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026